Enjoy Traditional Thanksgiving with a Turkey Cooked on a Rotisserie Burner
8 minute read | PGS Grills

This Thanksgiving, North Americans have the perfect opportunity to bring back the spirit of the original feast by cooking a turkey on a rotisserie burner—just like the Pilgrims and Wampanoags did over 400 years ago.
While the tradition of Thanksgiving has evolved over time, grilling a large turkey and all the classic side dishes on a durable outdoor grill gives modern families a taste of history. A PGS Grill with an infrared rotisserie burner makes it easy to recreate that authentic flavor and aroma, bringing everyone together for a memorable meal filled with gratitude and good food.
Back in the day, the Pilgrims and Wampanoags would turn turkeys over open flames manually, but today, we can sit back and relax while our turkey cooks perfectly. The advanced infrared rotisserie burner on a PGS Grill ensures your turkey is golden brown and fully cooked without any effort. Plus, the stainless steel construction allows for extra space to cook side dishes and family favorites alongside the main course.
Cooking Thanksgiving Turkey on a Rotisserie Burner
Using a PGS Grill with an infrared rotisserie burner opens up a world of possibilities for your outdoor menu. You can cook not just turkey, but also whole chickens, steaks, vegetables, fruit skewers, and more—all on the same spit.
The rotisserie burner does the work for you, rotating the turkey slowly and evenly to ensure even cooking. As it turns, the turkey bastes itself in its own juices, and vegetables placed underneath can capture the drippings for a rich, homemade gravy. Plus, the crispy skin and juicy meat make this method one of the most flavorful ways to prepare a turkey.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
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Turkey (12–14 pounds)
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Garlic (8 peeled cloves)
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Rosemary (3 teaspoons crushed)
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Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
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Thyme (2 teaspoons crushed)
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Sage (2 teaspoons crushed)
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Melted butter (2 sticks)
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Sea salt
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Black pepper
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Whole onions (4 peeled)
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Carrots (8 peeled)
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Potatoes (6 peeled and halved)
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Stuffing (optional)
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Aluminum foil
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Aluminum baking pan
How to Brine Your Turkey
Brining helps keep the turkey moist and tender. Start by filling a large pot halfway with warm water. Add two tablespoons of sea salt, two tablespoons of black pepper, two teaspoons of rosemary, and two minced garlic cloves. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate overnight. After removing it from the brine, pat it dry thoroughly before proceeding.
How to Prepare the Turkey
Make small cuts in the turkey’s skin and place four garlic cloves inside. Thread the turkey onto the rotisserie rod and check that it rotates smoothly. Adjust if needed to ensure even cooking during the process.
Once the turkey is on the rod, brush it with melted butter. In a bowl, mix sage, rosemary, onion powder, and thyme. Rub the mixture over the buttered turkey, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you're stuffing the turkey, now is the time to add your favorite stuffing into the cavity. Secure the turkey with butcher’s twine and trim the wing tips to prevent them from drying out during cooking.
Place the turkey on the grill and double-check that it turns freely. Pour two cups of water into the aluminum baking pan and add the remaining garlic, onions, carrots, and potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Slide the pan under the turkey so it can collect the drippings for delicious gravy.
Set the rotisserie burner and gas grill to 350°F. Unlike traditional ovens, preheating isn’t necessary. Occasionally reapply melted butter and re-season as needed throughout the cooking process.
Pro Tips
Keep an eye on the grill temperature. The infrared rotisserie burner can be adjusted or used intermittently depending on your needs. A 12- to 14-pound turkey should take about 12–14 minutes per pound. The internal temperature must reach at least 165°F. Once done, let the turkey rest under foil before carving.
PGS Grill with Infrared Rotisserie Burner
The PGS Grill Legacy series is a top choice for backyard grilling lovers. It offers an optional infrared rotisserie burner that expands your cooking options and brings out the best flavors through grilling.
With 540 to 960 square inches of direct grilling area, indirect warming racks, and up to 102,000 BTUs, the Legacy line is built to last and perfect for creating a true outdoor kitchen. It can be customized with side burners, beverage centers, and other accessories. Using it for Thanksgiving brings a sense of tradition and authenticity that the Pilgrims and Wampanoags might have experienced centuries ago.
Grilling your Thanksgiving feast on a durable PGS Grill with a rotisserie burner not only honors tradition but also eases the burden on the indoor chef. If the Pilgrims had to deal with the mess of an oven and kitchen, Thanksgiving might just be another Thursday. So why not make it special with a rotisserie-baked turkey?
Want more information? Have a question? Contact us today, and we will be happy to help!
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